2025 Kentucky General Assembly Recap

The 2025 state legislative session has wrapped up and it brought a mixed bag of progress and setbacks for the health and well-being of Kentuckians. While there were a few bright spots, we also saw missed opportunities and policies that will do more harm than good.  For Kentucky families to thrive, we need to see bold action to address pressing issues like access to care, public health funding, and the social factors that shape our health. So, what happened and what is needed now? Let’s break it down.

HB 16

Starting with the good – HB 16, which would have eliminated the state’s community water fluoridation mandate, failed to gain the needed support to pass. Adding fluoride to community water supplies has significantly reduced the incidence of cavities, particularly among children and vulnerable populations who lack access to regular dental care. If enacted, HB 16 would have resulted in substantial increases in health care costs to Medicaid and worsened disparities in oral health outcomes.

SB 100

Additionally, a few bills were passed to better protect Kentucky kids. This includes SB 100, which strengthens enforcement of the state’s Tobacco-21 law by creating a statewide licensing system for retailers that sell nicotine and vaping products. The law gives inspection and enforcement powers to a new division within the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). This will enhance the state’s ability to monitor retailers and reduce underage sales. While there is still room for improvement, the new law is a meaningful step towards keeping harmful products out of the hands of Kentucky’s kids and teens.

HB 695

Unfortunately, a number of bills were passed that will put the health of Kentuckians more at risk. Legislators overrode the veto on HB 695 which establishes mandatory work reporting requirements for many Kentuckians on Medicaid. These hurdles don’t increase employment — they create red tape that can result in Kentuckians losing coverage. When the state previously attempted similar requirements, it was estimated that 95,000 people could have lost their health insurance. The law also introduces comprehensive changes to Kentucky’s Medicaid program that gives the legislature increased power over the program, and it reinstates prior authorization requirements for behavioral health services.

HB 495

Meanwhile, HB 495 bans Medicaid in Kentucky from covering gender-affirming medical care. The legislature also overrode the Governor’s veto of this bill.  This is a significant threat to the health and well-being of transgender and non-binary individuals. Denying access to necessary medical interventions and mental health support can lead to increased psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and a higher risk for self-harm behaviors and suicide. The new law also reverses the executive order that provided certain protections against conversion therapy - a practice widely discredited by medical professionals - in Kentucky. By doing so, HB 495 exposes LGBTQ+ youth to potential suffering from harmful, ineffective treatments and worsened mental health challenges.

HB 4

HB 4 also became law after a majority of the General Assembly voted to override the Governor’s veto. It eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI) at Kentucky’s public universities. DEI efforts help ensure that all Kentuckians, regardless of race, gender identity, disability, or income, have access to the opportunities and resources needed to live long, healthy lives. This new law is a step in the wrong direction. Diversity, equity, and inclusion improves health. We should be promoting and expanding these initiatives instead of restricting them.  

What’s next?

It's vitally important that health professionals and advocates work together to mitigate the impact HB 695, HB 495, and HB 4 will have. Our underserved populations, who are already at a higher risk for poor health, will be the most affected.

Moving forward, the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky will continue to support policies that:  

• Improve Kentuckians’ access to comprehensive, high-quality and affordable health care.

• Allow all children and youth in Kentucky to be healthy, safe and engaged, with opportunities to develop to their full potential.

• Remove obstacles to good health, such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences, including powerlessness, injustice, and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health care.

This recap does not detail every health implication of the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly.